By Sarah Burchard
24 April, 2026
Photo by Tommy Pierucki, courtesy of The Twin Fin Hotel.
Summer is an eventful time of year on Oʻahu with enough festivals and events happening throughout the island to keep you busy every day. If you are traveling into Waikīkī during a festival, keep in mind there are usually road closures that not only heavily increase traffic, but also make it impossible for you to cross certain streets. You can check honolulu.gov before heading in, so you know what you are getting into. If you are staying in Waikīkī, just plan to walk everywhere on those days.
Photo courtesy of the Aloha Festival.
June 11-13
June 11 — King Kamehameha I tribute at the Kamehameha I statue, Downtown, 9-9:30 a.m.
June 12 — King Kamehameha Statue Lei Draping, Downtown, 2:30 – 5:00 p.m.
June 13 — 109th King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade, ʻIolani Palace to Kapiʻolani Park, 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 2026 Parade Route & King Kamehameha Celebration Hoʻolauleʻa, Queen Kapiʻolani Park, 11 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
FREE
July 4
Bon Dance, Taiko Drums, food and craft vendors at 1100 University Ave. Old Varsity Building Parking Lot in the heart of Mōʻiliʻili, 5-10 p.m. Learn More.
FREE
July 17-18
This festival honors Prince Lot Kapuāiwa for his efforts to revitalize hula, chant and other Native Hawaiian practices during a time when they were illegal to practice in Hawaiʻi. Festivities will be held at Royal Hawaiian Center.
FREE
June through August
Enjoy summer afternoons of Hawaiian mele and hula at Waimea Valley. Outdoor shows starts at 4 pm. Guests should bring blankets or low-back beach chairs for seating. Food and beverages will be available for purchase (no outside alcohol permitted). Arrive early to allow time for parking and entry. Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged
$15-$50 per person
June 5-August 16
Every Friday and Saturday at the Sunset Bar at The Ritz-Carlton O‘ahu, Turtle Bay. Local musicians from O‘ahu and neighboring islands come together to jam. This laid-back series is open to both resort guests and locals to enjoy golden hour on property.
August 21-23
This 3-day shopping festival at Hawaiʻi Convention Center celebrates well-known and brand new local Hawaiʻi brands, featuring more than 600 vendors.
$8 per person
Overlooking Kapua Bay, known as Oʻahu's Gold Coast, this afternoon tea evokes Waikiki’s iconic golden era of style, society, sips, mele and culture. Hosted at Kaimana Beach Hotel, featuring locally sourced Hobbs Tea from Kauai‘i, island mimosas, Hau Tree craft cocktails house-made savory and sweet pastries with an ocean view.
Muʻu & Mimosas at Kaimana Beach Hotel. Photo by Sarah Burchard.
Sept. 5-26
The largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the U.S., includes Hawai‘i’s music, dance and history. Learn the islands’ unique traditions.
Sept. 5 — Opening ceremony at The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort and The Royal Grove at Royal Hawaiian Center. 4 – 6 p.m.
Sept. 19 — 72nd Annual Waikīkī Hoʻolauleʻa on Kalākaua Avenue. A giant block party featuring local food, music and entertainment. 6 – 9:30 p.m.
Sept. 26 — 78th Annual Floral Parade begins at Ala Moana Park, goes through Kalākaua Avenue and ends at Kapi‘olani Park. A colorful procession of horseback riders, performances and floats covered with Hawaiian flowers. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.
Go Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay.
Hit the Hiking trails.
Try Scuba Diving.
Indulge in a Food Tour.
Live your best life with an Oʻahu Boat Tour.
Visit the USS Arizona on a Pearl Harbor Tour.
See it all on a Circle Island Tour.
Enjoy a Sunset Horseback Ride.
Go on a Parasailing adventure.
Book a Dolphin Tour.
Relax on a Glass Bottom Boat Cruise.
Practice all vacation long with Outdoor Yoga.
Learn to Surf — First time surfing Oʻahu? Check out our Guide to Surfing on Oʻahu and Surf Etiquette in Hawaiʻi: What Visitors Should Know first. Then Book Surf Lessons Here.
Learn about Oʻahu through local art — Wahi Pana: Storied Places Public Art Project and visual storytelling group In the Southern Sun just revealed “Māunuunu,” — an exhibit that honors the blustery Wai‘alae winds that move across Waikīkī. This is the 11th temporary art installations across O‘ahu aimed to reconnect communities with indigenous mo‘olelo (stories). Learn more here.
2026 Oʻahu Summer Guide: Letter from the Editor
2026 Oʻahu Summer Guide: Top Experiences
2026 Oʻahu Summer Guide: Whatʻs New
2026 Oʻahu Summer Guide: Plan Your Trip
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